N(sup)4C--ethyl--N(sup)4C cross-linked DNA: synthesis and characterization of duplexes with interstrand cross-links of different orientations

This articles describes the synthesis of N(sup)4C--ethyl--N(sup)4C interstrand cross-linked DNA duplexes employing N(sup)4C--ethyl--N(sup)4C phosphoramidite reagent. The ligated oligomers containing staggered cross-links exhibit differences in structure and stability with -GC- staggered cross-links disrupt hydrogen bonding and affecting helix stability by perturbing adjacent base pairs.